local
A centuries-old festival in Japan brings Shinto traditions and towering floats to the streets
By Fred Mery And María Teresa Hernández, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 19, 2026
· 4 min read
There’s a special moment when Katsushi Horikawa feels closer to the gods. It comes as he rides atop one of the towering floats pulled through the streets in a centuries-old procession in Japan.This is the Gion Matsuri festival, born more than 1,000 years ago as a ritual to ward off epidemics and ...
Key takeaway This is the Gion Matsuri festival, born more than 1,000 years ago as a ritual to ward off epidemics and celebrated in the former imperial city of Kyoto throughout July.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio 's own Fiesta celebrations, with their vibrant parades and cultural festivities, may seem a world away from Japan's Gion Matsuri festival, but both share a common thread - a deep connection to the communities that observe them. Just as the Gion Matsuri is rooted in Kyoto's Shinto traditions and history, Fiesta is deeply ingrained in San Antonio's Hispanic and Tejano heritage. The fact that the Gion Matsuri has evolved over centuries, incorporating elements of Buddhism and other influences, is a reminder that cultural festivals are not static entities, but rather dynamic expressions of a community's values and traditions. As San Antonio continues to grow and diversify, its own cultural celebrations will likely undergo similar transformations, reflecting the changing face of the city and its people. By examining the ways in which other communities preserve and evolve their cultural traditions, San Antonio can gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of its own festivals and celebrations.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 19, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? There’s a special moment when Katsushi Horikawa feels closer to the gods. It comes as he rides atop one of the towering floats pulled through the streets in a centuries-old procession in Japan.This is the Gion Matsuri festival, born more than 1,000 years ago as a ritual to ward off epidemics and ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Fred Mery And María Teresa Hernández, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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